Ruger LCR (vs. LCP?)

[HGM22]

Yes, I realize there are probably a million Ruger LCR threads already, but I'd feel more comfortable knowing what you guys (and gals) think before I plunk $450 down.

From my research these guns are reliable. This is the most important aspect to me; is this still true for the current production guns?

Also, what's the durability like on the LCR (i.e. round count before failure)? One of the reasons I lean towards the LCR is I think it will be more durable in the long run. I also believe the earlier versions experienced flame cutting of the top strap, but the new ones have a metal insert to prevent this. True?

Finally, anything I should be aware of?

I'm new to CC and am planning on carrying the LCR in an ankle holster (after qualifying/getting license) while driving to/from work. On weekends I'll probably carry IWB or pocket carry if I carry at all. Any experience doing this (specifically the LCR in an ankle holster).

*Edit: I have been changing my mind between the LCR and LCP almost daily. Any thoughts on which to get?

**Edit: Are there .38 Special AND .38 Special +P LCRs (in addition to the .357 version). I've seen LCRs for sale as both .38spl and .38spl +P, and the owner's manual doesn't make it clear either.

 

[firesky101]

I went with the KLCR. The extra weight+ the grips make it a pussycat with any .38sp, and I have the option of .357. I think the flame cutting was only with a very select run that had a metallurgy problem. IMO all you really gain with the lcp is it is flatter, so in an ankle holster I would not notice the difference. Ruger is solid, so whichever you buy I would not worry about wearing it out, and if you do their CS is top notch.

 

[Haywood]

LCR357, 3000 rounds, most of them 125G. 357 JHP. Maybe 500 38+P. My Favorite 357 to shoot (I have several) and carry. NO problems. It is in my off hand pocket as back up most days. If it's not in my pocket it's AIWB and a 442 is in the pocket.

 

[DocRx]

Love my Ruger KLCR .357mag. Only problem I have had was with CorBon DPX 125gr. Ammo, backing out of it's casing and jamming the gun. It has not had a problem with any other ammo to date. The manual suggest the owner check each ammo shot, shoot 4, check the 5th for "back out". This also is not unique to Rugers. There also is no distinction between .38spl and .38spl +P, it is the same gun, shoots both. I now carry Hornady CD 125gr. or Remington/Winchester 125gr.357mag. (best one shot stopper available) for SD, and practice, both are inexpensive compared to "exotic" ammo. All in all, the best small revolver available today.

 

[Viper1357]

LCR gets my vote...

I like the reliability of a small revolver (LCR for instance) vs. (insert any) small auto loader, especially for defense use at defense distances.

*That is not to say I would never use a mini compact as I adore and trust my Kel Tec PF9, but this is about the LCR.

I have no idea what the the round count would be to wear out an LCR, but I don't think I'd ever shoot enough to find out.

-My basic criteria for owning and using a gun of such size is trust and ability to use it, so I follow this simple formula:

1.) I practice, practice, practice.

2.) I believe in placement of any and each fired round be it 1 or 5.

3.) If I am further than 25 to 30 feet, well, I don't plan on using it further than that.

4.) If I am further than 25 to 30 feet, well, I don't plan on using it further than that.

5.) I believe in placement of any and each fired round be it 1 or 5.

6.) I practice, practice, practice.

I am very comfortable/confident with my .38 Ruger LCR.







Good luck in your choosing!

 

[Girodin]

I have both. They are really very different guns. I prefer the LCP as a BUG, simply because it is thinner and easier to tuck away. If I was getting one to be a primary carry gun (and honestly I personally wouldn't want either for that role*) I'd lean towards a 357 magnum version of the LCR. Even if I intended to shoot 38 Specials exclusively I think I would rather have the extra weight of the 357 to dampen the recoil of hotter .38 special loads. In any of the ways I carry a revolver the extra weight wouldn't matter much. Initial purchase price is not significantly different and is de minimus over the life of the gun.

As to durability, I think that by the time one put enough rounds through either to wear it out the price of a new gun would absolutely pale in comparison to what one would have spent on ammo.

My LCP has been totally reliable. Not one failure and I have used half a dozen or so different kinds of ammo.


*There are guns that I shoot better and have other attributes I like in a carry gun that are not particularly more difficult for me to carry or conceal than the LCR. The LCP is just too small to be a gun that I can shoot/run really well. I practice with it and can use it reasonably well, but shot timers/targets don't lie and, I am simply more proficient with other guns. There is nothing wrong with either gun per se but rather I simply do not want the limitations inherent to small, lightweight guns as a primary weapon.

 

[spotch]

I went with the KLCR. The extra weight+ the grips make it a pussycat with any .38sp, and I have the option of .357. I think the flame cutting was only with a very select run that had a metallurgy problem. IMO all you really gain with the lcp is it is flatter, so in an ankle holster I would not notice the difference. Ruger is solid, so whichever you buy I would not worry about wearing it out, and if you do their CS is top notch.

Yup, same. I actually had an LC9 before this, but my friend has an LCP that I've fondled and shot. By every possible measurement the LCR is more pleasant to shoot. Way better trigger, less recoil, easier to grab on to (fatter, more ergonomic grip), better sights (with the option of upgrading the front to a REALLY GOOD sight like a fiber optic or night sight). The LCR also shoots a more powerful bullet (38spl +P or 357 if you go that route), although I don't see myself being too worried about carrying something that only shot .380. You *should* have more selection with 38spl ammo, but again, there are plenty of good .380 cartridges.


That said, the LCP is going to be more comfortable to carry. My LCR fits in my pockets of my shorts and larger-pocketed jeans just fine. You know it's there and can feel the weight of it (KLCR-357 weighs a hair under 20oz fully loaded, the 38spl+P one is lighter but there's more felt recoil and less versatility), but it's no big deal for me. The LCP OTOH will feel a lot more like it just 'disappeared'... less to get used to.

We know all this, I'm not even sure why I typed all that out come to think of it lol. As for me...

I wanted an LCP for the longest time, and I still want a gun that small, but I don't ever see myself owning a gun I hate to shoot. I did that with the LC9, and I'll never do it again. It makes you want to practice less and frankly it just irks me. I find my LCR to be truly enjoyable, and I don't regret my decision. It was my first revolver, and I'm glad I jumped on the bandwagon... it's a fun ride

 

[Huskerguy]

I have them both. I carry the LCP and my wife carries the LCR. I like the small semi auto that fits in a pocket. She has some strength problems in her hands and prefers a revolver. Both are very reliable and solid firearms. With either you will not likely be putting much lead down range. We shoot enough to keep in practice but nothing like my regular shooting firearms.

 

[HGM22]

Thanks for all the comments guys, they've been very helpful. Spotch, you kind of hit the nail on the head for me. I want the LCP because it'd be very easy to conceal, but I don't think I'd enjoy shooting it all that much. The LCR would also be my first revolver, and I've been wanting a revolver for just about forever. Hmm, decisions decisions.

I did read on another forum that Kel-tec's frames were rated for 7K rounds, and that the LCP would be 10K+. Probably wouldn't shoot it that much, but low round counts don't feel good to trust your life on.

 

[spotch]

Yeah, when I got my lc9 made the decision by convincing myself that it was just a better choice than a snub (which I had kinda wanted for a while). Didn't matter much when I hated shooting it lol. And i hear you on the round count thing... That's another reason I like the lcr. You can get the 357 model and have a gun that's seriously overbuilt for 38spl/38+p (seeing as how people have put thousands and thousands of rounds of 357 through it).

I dunno, I just like it. And after shooting it I realized that for me, the revolver itch doesn't go away until you scratch it. And even then it may just go away for a little while

As for the lcp and lcr both being guns you won't shoot often (someone said that a couple posts up), I'd say your mileage definitely may vary. Since buying my two lcr's I shoot them more often than my other two guns (m&p full size 9mm and browning buckmark). With regular 38spl ammo you can feel the recoil but it doesn't hurt and it doesn't wear you out quickly at all. My frugality kicks in WAY before I want to stop shooting. ie after a few boxes of 38 and +p I start to think about how expensive shooting is and switch to the 22lcr to prevent my bank account from hurting (whereas I stopped shooting my lc9 after 50 rounds or so to stop my hand from hurting lol). They really are addicting though, and again it may just be me but there really is something about the extra involvement in the mechanics of shooting that you only get with a revolver. I guess at this point I'm just gushing, but I'm a huge fan of the lcr series lol

 

[spotch]

Double post, damn iPhone!